All children have the right to be protected from harm and it is the responsibility of all members of the school community to be alert to the signs and symptoms of abuse and to follow the correct procedures in order to ensure that children remain safe. Everyone in school is responsible for the safeguarding of children but key information is passed to the Pastoral Team, Mrs Parker-Watts, Mrs Taylor and Miss Horsfield (Safeguarding Deputies).
Everyone has a responsibility to report any concerns they have that a child is being neglected or abused. Professionals can only become involved in helping a family if we know that the family is having problems.
If you have concerns about a child you can speak to your child’s teacher or another member of school staff such as the pastoral manager or a member of the leadership team. We will look into the situation and if necessary pass your concerns on to the appropriate agency. If an incident happens outside of school hours, or you feel there is an immediate risk to the safety of a child, contact children’s services or the police directly. Don’t think what if I’m wrong – think what if I’m right.
All matters relating to child protection are confidential. However, staff will not promise a child or another person reporting abuse or suspected abuse that the information will not be passed on. Staff have a professional responsibility to report all disclosures to the designated person. Information relating to child protection may be shared with other professional agencies such as children’s services.
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For more information on these and other questions visit www.thinkyouknow.co.uk. To report online abuse visit www.ceop.gov.uk
Child Sexual Abuse - Support and Advice for Families and Professionals
Please find below useful links to support and protect and safeguard your child:
Parents Protect - Parents Protect helps parents and carers protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation by providing child safety resources.
CEOP – The Child Exploitation and Online Protection command (CEOP) is a law enforcement agency to help keep children and young people safe from sexual abuse and grooming online.
Thinkuknow - Provides information for parents and carers concerned about children sexual abuse, as well as age-appropriate online safety resources for children.
Barnardo’s – Barnardo’s supports children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse, to make them safe and help them recover.
Stop Abuse Together – This website contains information and links for anyone concerned about child sexual abuse.
Marie Collins Foundation – The Marie Collins Foundation is a charity that works directly with children, young people and families to enable their recovery following sexual abuse involving technology.
UK Safer Internet Centre has published extensive guidance on how to stay safe on the internet. They have advice for children, parents, and teachers.
Childline – Children and young people can contact Childline at any time day or night to speak to someone about their concerns.